Giant 40ft whale washes up on Essex beach as mission launched to move body

A 40ft whale has washed up on an English beach this morning.

Essex Police are working with other organisations at Clacton beach to decide how to move the dead animal.

The stretch of beach has been cordoned off and people are being asked to stay away from the area.

Officers also encouraged individuals to continue following social distancing as crowds gathered near the beach to see the creature.

Big Blue Ocean Cleanup tweeted: "We are currently on site at Clacton-on-Sea where a dead whale has washed up onto the beach."

Paul McCormack shared a video of the animal on the beach, adding: "Very surprised to see this in #Clacton this morning. #whale#seaside#essex "

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In the clip, one person can be heard remarking 'it's massive'.

Clacton resident John Gibson, 65, told Mirror Online: "I first saw it from my kitchen window when it was still some way out to sea and thought 'what's that'.

"I couldn't be sure what it was so I took a walk along the beach to see if I could get a better view.

"Sadly, I discovered the dead whale beached on the sands. I suspect it was already dead when it beached as when I saw it at sea, it was clearly being swept in by the tide."

A Coastguard spokesman said it received a report about a 'large object' washing up on the beach at 5.30am this morning.

They said: "It was later confirmed to be a deceased whale.

"Dover Coastguard sent Clacton and Walton Coastguard Rescue Teams to the incident. Essex Police also attended and a cordon is currently in place at the location around the mammal.

"The Receiver of Wreck has been notified and local authorities have been informed in regards to removal plans."

Essex Police said on Facebook that the animal was 40ft long.

The force added: "We are currently in attendance with other organisations and discussions are under way on how to remove her. The area is cordoned off and the public are advised to stay away. #SocialDistancing#StayAlert"

Rory Sinclair, CEO of Big Blue Ocean Cleanup, told Mirror Online: "It is very upsetting seeing a 40 foot whale wash up at Clacton-on-Sea this morning.

"Whales washing up are currently on the rise mainly due to discarded fishing nets, ocean plastic and infectious diseases.

"We need to raise awareness on this important issue and protect these incredible marine animals."